Equinox TV picks three of seven NCC sanctioned cases
By Nchendzengang Tatah
The 45th ordinary session of the National Communication Council (NCC) saw the handling of eight cases by the regulatory organ. Seven of which were raised sanctions and one thrown out. Three of those slammed concerned Douala based channel, Equinox TV.
In a release after the March 20 meeting, the NCC decried the “proliferation of hate speech and seditious discourse” on the media. The council said it had remained disturbed about the “fast” growing phenomenon. Even though it within the last seven years sent out 10 educational press releases, issued 37 warning letters to several media organs and organized two national seminars on eradicating hate speech.
The NCC communication suspended the defaulted presenter of “10-12 Le Zenith” on Equinox TV, Ndingmour Cedric to practice journalism in Cameroon for a period of one month following “unfounded” allegations against Peter Mafani Musonge. Again, the same letter indicated that, Ndingmour Cedric was slammed two months for “unverified” information about “Big Joe” rice. Finally, the programme “Droit de Response” on Equinox TV was sanctioned for a month. Its presenter, Gnakwa Cedric received two months off journalism suspension for “abusive and offensive remarks” against a Cameroon citizen. All three sanctions were stipulated with a warning letter for the Equinox TV General Manager.
Still in Douala, English broadcasting television My Media Prime, fell into the NCC dragnet. Following a complaint initiated by the NCC, Tchokoga Sylvain was given a one month ban from practicing journalism in Cameroon. This was the result of he, reading a message said to instigate hatred and stigmatization against an ethnic community on “Vitrine 237”. The said programme was disallowed for one month.
In like manner, the organs Premiere Heure, La Primeur Info and Info TV were also sanctioned for issues including
unfounded accusations and contentious remarks. The file against Mvila Community Development Radio for fact misrepresentation at the return of Paul Biya in October 2024 was thrown out. While the council dismissed the case, it extended warning to the station’s manager for addressing issues out of the provisions of its creation.
As the dust settles from this session, Cameroonians wait for the NCC’s next sitting to address the case between MRC chair, Kamto and some national papers.
